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Where do we get the word Advent and what does it mean?The word Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” meaning “a coming, approach, arrival.”
In 2024, Advent begins on December 1st and ends with Christmas.
Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. The priest wears violet or purple during Advent, except for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn.
The Advent wreath in our churches is a centuries-old tradition. The wreath holds five candles representing the four Sundays of Advent. The evergreens and the circle of the wreath represent God’s infinite love for us all. The candles are lit on the four Sundays of Advent, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
The First Candle is purple and signifies HOPE. We begin to prepare for the coming of Christ on Christmas.
The Second Candle is purple and signifies PREPARATION. We begin to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
The Third Candle is pink and signifies JOY. We rejoice in the nearness of the birth of Jesus Christ. The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudette Sunday. The term "Gaudete" comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," and it signifies a sense of joy and anticipation as Christmas approaches.
The Fourth Candle is purple and signifies LOVE. The Messiah comes in love and angels fill the sky.
The Fifth Advent Candle – The WHITE candle in the center of the wreath. This candle signifies the purity and the light of Christ.
